Hey batter, batter!

We went to a professional baseball game this week. It started off with a downpour, but nothing stops the Japanese. They are serious baseball fans, very polite baseball fans, but serious lovers of the game. Notice how we are the only white people in the stadium? We're not in Kansas anymore!

Whoopieeeee...

Is there anything better than a whoopie pie? Seriously. I love them so much. I made them just as the kids were going to bed last night. That way I could eat my fill without having to share with my little scavengers. That may seem selfish to some of you--those of you who haven't tried my whoopie pies. Yum-believable!

Little Lady

That's one pretty girl.

Dragon Boat Races

The first week in May is Golden Week, a major Japanese holiday. In the Naha harbor, they have dragon boat races. My friend Sarah and I schlepped our four boys, braving the hot and humid weather. We wanted to cheer on our friend Lisa, who was rowing for the Navy womens team. It was so exciting to watch the boats, rowing to the beat of a gong, in unison and with gusto! I remember my sister had a t-shirt from her rowing days on Lake Washington. It said, "Strong women row to Win!" I do love a tough woman.

Making friends--one cupcake at a time.

Does anyone over the age of 9 love their birthday more than me? I think not. This year, in an effort to make friends through baked goods, I invited the entire Relief Society over for cake at lunchtime. Since I couldn't decide what I wanted most, I went ahead and made all my favorite treats: coconut cupcakes, lemon cheesecake, and the classic chocolate layered cake. YUM! What a great 5th Anniversary of my 29th birthday.






Happy Birthday to me!

Friends Rock!

Our good friends came to visit last week and we had WAY too much fun...because now that they are gone, I am in a funk. But check out all the fun things we did (besides the hours of pinnocle--shocker).

The fish nibble at the dead skin on your feet. It feels insane! I almost climbed out of my skin until I got used to the feeling. It's crazier than ninja spit. I am taking every person I know to visit the fish doctor. What an experience.

Ryukyu Mura--a traditional Okinawan village. Loved the dancing and drums.


We also spent a few days at a beach resort, had our toes done at Cocok's, and watched the whale sharks at feeding time at the aquarium.

Sushi at Delicious. I'm not kidding--this stuff was AMAZING, and I'm not a huge sushi fan. The chef was a freaking artist.

2nd Article of Faith

So our church has something called "The Articles of Faith" which is a list of 13 statements about our beliefs. We've been working with the kids to help them memorize all 13. The 2nd Article of Faith says this: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." Here's Jackson's rendition: